Previous posts on this blog have offered you some practical advice on how to reclaim precious metals that can be found in unused welding scrap and welding supplies. We’d like to explore a slightly different question today . . .

Is it possible for a qualified precious metals refinery to reclaim quantities of precious metals from unused soldering supplies?

The short answer to that question is, it depends. Let’s learn more.

Lead-Based Soldering and Precious Metal Soldering Are Very Different Processes

If you have a quantity of lead or tin-based solder that was to be used in the manufacturing of electronic components or in plumbing operations, it does not contain either gold or silver, and cannot be profitably recycled.

But if you have acquired unused soldering wire that was used in manufacturing either gold or silver jewelry, that wire contains either silver or gold. How much silver or gold? That depends, and we will have to test the soldering wire for you, because the wire that is used in soldering gold and silver usually contains secondary metals. Call us at 800-426-2344 to discuss your options.

They are used to plate a layer of silver over other metals, using a soldering technique. The result? The appearance of a solid silver item. How much are these sheets worth? It depends on their composition and weight. If you own some, call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at 800-426-2344. We will explain how we can test them and determine their value.

What about Soldering Fluxes that Are Used to Manufacture Jewelry?

In light of the comments above, you are probably wondering whether the fluxes that are used when soldering gold and silver also contain trace amounts of those precious metals. The disappointing answer to that question is that virtually no fluxes contain precious metals. The fluxes contain only chemicals that remove any oxidation and prepare gold or silver for soldering.

We Are Your Top Choice for Recycling Gold and Silver Soldering Supplies

But if you own any of the gold or silver-bearing soldering supplies described in in today’s post, we will be pleased to tell you how to recoup their value. Call us at 800-426-2344 to start the process.